After wrapping up their participation within the World Cup qualifiers in September—ending first within the South American standings—Lionel Messi‘s Argentina now face solely pleasant matches in 2025. The primary two of those shall be held in the USA throughout the September worldwide break, towards Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
The primary of these matchups, towards Venezuela, was all the time scheduled to be performed at Exhausting Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday the tenth, and that may stay unchanged. Nonetheless, the sport towards Puerto Rico has undergone a collection of last-minute modifications.
Initially set to be performed at Soldier Area on Monday, October 13, the match needed to be moved from Chicago because of a wave of protests within the metropolis, prompting authorities to resolve that internet hosting an occasion of this nature right now wouldn’t be applicable.
This led to a venue change that, whereas nonetheless pending official affirmation, is reportedly Chase Stadium in Miami, the place Inter Miami sometimes play whereas their new stadium is below building. Nonetheless, the change of venue isn’t the one adjustment being made.
Lionel Scaloni, coach of Argentina.
In line with journalist Gaston Edul, the match between Argentina and Puerto Rico won’t solely transfer from Chicago to Miami, however can even be rescheduled. As an alternative of happening on Monday, October 13, as initially deliberate, it’ll now be performed on Tuesday, October 14.
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Will Messi play towards Venezuela and Puerto Rico?
Lionel Messi is among the many 27 gamers known as up by Lionel Scaloni for the October worldwide break, following the last-minute withdrawal of Thiago Almada, who stayed with Atletico Madrid to prioritize his bodily restoration.
Nonetheless, Messi’s inclusion within the squad doesn’t assure his participation in each matches. The ahead has been coping with bodily points in latest weeks, and with the decisive section of the 2025 Main League Soccer season approaching, it’s doubtless he received’t be pushed unnecessarily in Argentina’s friendlies.
“We’re going to speak with him and with everybody. The concept is to not take dangers with anybody,” Scaloni mentioned at a press convention this week when requested about Messi’s standing. “These are friendlies and the nationwide group is necessary, but when somebody has even a minor challenge… we’re not going to danger anybody. In the event that they’re match, they’ll play.”
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What’s subsequent for Messi
Inter Miami have two regular-season MLS video games remaining. The primary is that this Saturday towards Atlanta United at Chase Stadium, the place Messi will clearly be absent because of his dedication with the Argentina nationwide group. That recreation takes place simply 24 hours after the pleasant towards Venezuela.
After the Tuesday match towards Puerto Rico, the Argentine gamers will return to their respective golf equipment. For Leo, that received’t require any journey, since he’ll already be in Miami. That will give him an edge heading into the Herons’ last regular-season recreation: Saturday the 18th towards Nashville SC at Geodis Park.
